Given to the Earth draws its power from the harrowing tension between a girl's bodily autonomy and her kingdom's survival within a ruthless, waterlogged world. The story succeeds through its visceral atmosphere and the messy, trauma-informed choices of its characters. Books in this family share high stakes moral dilemmas and protagonists who defiantly reclaim their agency from oppressive systems.
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling crushed by the weight of expectations or is beginning to question the 'rules' of their community. It is a powerful choice for young adults who feel like their future has already been decided for them and are looking for the courage to claim their own agency. This sequel to Given to the Sea continues a dark, high-stakes fantasy where the protagonist, Khosa, must reconcile her sacred duty with her personal desire for autonomy. The story explores deep themes of sacrifice, bodily autonomy, and the ethics of tradition versus progress. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, including discussions of forced procreation and intense violence, making it best suited for older teens aged 14 and up. Ultimately, it serves as a sophisticated metaphor for the transition into adulthood, where one must choose between the comfort of following the path laid out by elders or the terrifying freedom of forging a new one.
